Your Car Deserves Top-Notch Auto Service

Sometimes, when the production of certain models of automobiles is discontinued, their auto parts in stock are sold for very heavy discounts. Keep an eye on that, especially if you have a car of the same model, as a few years down the line these same parts could be hard to find, and pretty expensive. Why not buy and store them in bulk?

Avoid cars that are under any lien. Such cars can get you into trouble, and you may end up paying for those liens. Check the registration details properly.

Make sure that when you go to the vehicle loan, the facility is clean in the waiting lounge. You should be greeted warmly. A dirty facility means that they have no concern for the welfare of their customers. How much care do you think that they will put into your car? Also, you should be able to see the most recent certifications. However, don't be afraid to ask to see them. If they resist, then leave that shop. If they are certified and honest, they should be happy to show you that they are qualified to work on your car.



As for the price of auto parts, aside from the age of the vehicle there is the make and model. In this case foreign car parts are much more expensive than domestically made cars. Most people who buy foreign cars don't realize this or even think about it until it comes time to get their vehicle repaired. Then they get hit with the bill and their eyes pop out of their head. For example, an oil filer for a 2005 Buick Century is about $2.98. The same oil filter for a Honda CRV is $3.98. It's basically the same filter for the Honda but it costs $1.00 more. That comes out to a 33% markup on a relatively cheap part. Imagine that same 33% markup on a part that costs $60 for the Buick. You'd be paying about $80 for the same part for the Honda.

Just as with any type of business, you'll find a mix of both ethical and unscrupulous auto repair shops. Unfortunately, it's often difficult to discern which are which in auto repair businesses. It's a fact that dishonest shops have a number of tricks up their sleeve. For example, some shop owners instruct their mechanics to give an initially reasonable auto repair estimate. Most car owners take this estimate as the final cost.

The key to starting your own shop is planning. I spent a couple of years planning and gathering shop equipment before I ever opened the doors. Back then I read somewhere that small businesses that planned at least 18 months prior to opening had the best chance of success.

All you need to know is learn about your vehicle, new car terminologies, and product availability and specifications. Know more than just the model of your car but also its year and version since different versions may have different automotive parts. Search for the most commonly used terminologies online. If you're not familiar with a given term then ask your mechanic about it. For newer cars, their parts may not be made immediately available in most stores. In this case, proceed to your nearest car dealers or check for your car's warranty policy. Lastly, make sure to double-check the part you ordered for its specifics. Some parts may not fit it in to your car just because they have a different number.

In the case that you want to get it repaired at the car dealership, you will have to tow your car to their location and pay for the towing expenses. When it comes to the quality of the work, an auto locksmith will provide a much better job than a car dealership. As he works on only one category of service, namely locks, he will have a thorough understanding of the various types of locks available in the market. A mechanic at a car dealership will have a basic idea about locks and keys along with everything else related to the car. But, as far as the expertise on keys and locks is concerned, the auto locksmith will be way ahead of the car mechanic.

Check with the better business bureau for any complaints that have been lodged against the shop. Also find out if they were solved to the satisfaction of the customer. Another place to get more information is the internet. There are several sources that will review or comment on shops.